Kigali Trend Week 2026 concluded on Could 30 at Pinnacle Kigali, bringing collectively designers, fashions, buyers, policymakers and trend fans for a grand finale that showcased the rising potential of Rwanda’s trend and artistic industries.
The week-long occasion, held from Could 25 to 30, featured runway reveals, exhibitions, networking classes and business discussions geared toward positioning Rwanda as an rising hub for trend, creativity and entrepreneurship.
ALSO READ: Missed Kigali Trend Week? The hiatus is coming to an finish
One of many highlights of the closing occasion was a putting runway constructed inside a swimming pool, the place fashions walked by way of water whereas showcasing collections from native and worldwide designers. Friends have been additionally handled to performances by famend cultural musician Massamba Intore, whose set added a distinctly Rwandan contact to the night.
Among the many dignitaries in attendance was British Excessive Commissioner to Rwanda Alison Thorpe, alongside distinguished figures from the enterprise and artistic sectors.
Steve Samson, a Nigerian businessman and one of many occasion’s sponsors, mentioned the return of Kigali Trend Week underscored Rwanda’s inventive potential and the significance of investing in younger expertise.
“Kigali Trend Week was wonderful. Reviving it after years of inactivity got here with challenges, however seeing the joy and pleasure it dropped at folks made it worthwhile,” Samson instructed The New Occasions.
“The largest takeaway is that Rwanda has unbelievable expertise. Our accountability is to nurture that expertise, particularly amongst younger folks, and assist the business develop.”
Samson additionally paid tribute to Rwanda’s late Queen Rosalie Gicanda, explaining that the ultimate trend present will proceed to honour her legacy.
“As I’ve mentioned earlier than, the ultimate trend present will at all times bear Queen Rosalie Gicanda’s identify as a result of she represents magnificence by way of simplicity. Rwanda itself is a ravishing nation with a singular story to inform,” he mentioned.
He expressed confidence in the way forward for the style business, noting that Rwanda’s cultural heritage and artistic expertise present a robust basis for progress.
“The way forward for trend is vivid, and its basis is rooted in locations like Rwanda,” he added.
ALSO READ: Kigali Trend Week returns with name for funding
George Lugoloobi, Artistic Producer of Kigali Trend Week, mentioned the occasion was designed not solely to have fun trend but additionally to draw funding into the sector.
“The way forward for trend in Rwanda could be very promising. By means of Kigali Trend Week, we needed buyers to see the alternatives out there within the business, and I imagine they’ve now seen the potential that exists,” he mentioned.
Lugoloobi emphasised that stronger partnerships, collaboration and supportive insurance policies will likely be important to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
“We’re starting to see efforts to create insurance policies that help folks working in trend. It’s not nearly internet hosting trend reveals; it’s about creating worth, jobs and sustainable alternatives. With continued collaboration, the business will continue to grow,” he mentioned.
For a lot of contributors, the occasion was each demanding and rewarding. Fashions and designers spent the week balancing rehearsals, conferences and runway shows whereas constructing precious skilled connections.
Mannequin Nadine Uwiduhaye described the expertise as a possibility to study, community and alternate inventive concepts.
“It was a busy however thrilling week. We met completely different folks, realized new issues and found lots of creativity. I used to be significantly impressed by a Ugandan designer who created a ravishing costume impressed by a tree,” she mentioned.
The closing ceremony additionally acknowledged designers, fashions and different contributors whose efforts helped make the occasion successful, together with a number of first-time contributors.
Organisers mentioned Kigali Trend Week displays the rising momentum of Rwanda’s trend business and its potential to contribute to the nation’s inventive financial system by way of innovation, funding and job creation.
